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[Asia Economy Reporters Jungmin Ryu and Sunhee Son] Regarding the appointment of the next Chief of Staff at the Blue House, the 'Woo Yoon-geun card' is emerging again as a strong candidate favored by President Moon Jae-in. Woo Yoon-geun, former ambassador to Russia and former member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has been reluctant to engage in political activities due to opposition from his family, but it is known that both inside and outside the Blue House, he is being encouraged to take on the role.

Considering President Moon's remaining term, the general consensus is that it is time to replace not only the cabinet but also the Blue House Chief of Staff with new personnel. In August, President Moon expressed his confidence in Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, who had offered to resign amid real estate controversies.

At that time, it was widely expected that the Blue House Chief of Staff would change when the time came. Specifically, it was anticipated that the Blue House reshuffle would take place after the regular National Assembly session processed the next year's budget. The prevailing view was that a reshuffle could happen in December.

The reason why Woo, the former ambassador, is attracting attention inside and outside the ruling party regarding the Chief of Staff appointment is linked to the direction of state affairs during the remaining term. It is said that this can help gauge whether to emphasize a 'breakthrough type' or a 'management type' approach.

The Chief of Staff must possess not only a comprehensive understanding of state affairs but also organizational leadership skills. Political acumen is essential to advise the president on governance. Considering the Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections in April next year and the presidential election in March 2022, the ability to break through political deadlocks is also a necessary quality.

In President Moon's case, the general expectation is that he will avoid actions that exert political influence to affect the next presidential election. This is why it is anticipated that he will appoint a management-type rather than a breakthrough-type Chief of Staff. A Blue House official said, "It seems that the emphasis is on a 'management-type Chief of Staff' who can stably lead the office during the remaining term."

If the category is narrowed down to a management-type appointment, Woo is a figure whom President Moon would likely prefer. Woo is a three-term lawmaker (17th to 19th National Assembly) and has served as the Secretary-General of the National Assembly.

Although Woo is not easily classified as part of the pro-Roh (pro-Roh Moo-hyun) faction, he has political ties with President Moon. When Moon was the leader of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy in 2015, Woo served as the floor leader. They have experience working closely as party leader and floor leader.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During his time as floor leader, Woo was recognized for his amicable personality and flexible thinking, even by the then ruling party (now the People Power Party), making him a respected dialogue partner. If appointed as Chief of Staff, he is expected to demonstrate strengths in communication with the current opposition party in a harmonious and managerial style.

Woo is scheduled to visit Russia in mid-December as a special presidential envoy. After his visit to Russia, it is expected that he will naturally meet President Moon during the reporting process at the Blue House. There is a possibility that President Moon may directly propose the Chief of Staff position to Woo at this meeting. While Woo himself remains cautious, his resolve could be swayed if directly invited by the president.

It is anticipated that the Blue House staff reshuffle will take place around January next year. The appointment of the Chief of Staff is a variable factor that will influence the direction of state affairs planned by the president for next year. Opinions vary on whether a stable manager is needed for the 2021 political situation or whether a 'long-term player' is required to break through the crisis. If it is judged that there is no obstacle to regime re-creation, a figure who can manage the situation stably will be appointed; if it is judged that strength is needed to overcome political turmoil, a breakthrough-type Chief of Staff will be necessary.

Choi Jae-sung, senior secretary for political affairs and a four-term lawmaker; Yang Jeong-cheol, former head of the Democratic Research Institute with a close relationship to President Moon; and Kim Boo-kyum, former Minister of the Interior and Safety representing Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), are also being mentioned as candidates for Chief of Staff regardless of their own intentions.

Given the increasing volatility of the December political situation, President Moon's deliberations are inevitably deepening. Ultimately, the final decision-maker for the Chief of Staff appointment is the president. Depending on how President Moon sketches the plan for overcoming the December political situation, designing next year's state affairs, and managing his retirement in the year after next, the outcome of the Chief of Staff appointment is expected to vary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.